Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for easy meat recipes that won’t overwhelm you, you’ve come to the right place. This simple chicken dish is perfect for beginners like you and me! I remember the first time I tried cooking chicken; it felt a bit intimidating, but this recipe changed everything. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll be serving up delicious, juicy chicken in no time. Trust me, it’s all about keeping things simple and flavorful. Let’s dive in and get cooking, because this easy chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite!
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs of chicken breasts: Make sure to choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking. They’re juicy and perfect for baking!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds a lovely richness and helps the spices stick to the chicken. You can use extra virgin for a more robust flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A must for enhancing the overall flavor of the chicken. Adjust according to your taste preference!
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best for that extra kick, but pre-ground works fine too.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This gives a nice savory depth without the fuss of chopping garlic. Easy peasy!
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to the chicken. You can use sweet or smoked paprika based on your preference.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and helps tenderize the chicken. Don’t skip this step—it’s a game changer!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important for even cooking!
- While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir until it’s all well blended.
- Now it’s time to coat the chicken! Place the chicken breasts in a large dish and pour the oil and spice mixture over them. Make sure to coat each breast evenly; I like to use my hands for this—just get in there!
- Next, transfer the coated chicken breasts into a baking dish. Lay them out in a single layer for even cooking.
- Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once done, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
- Finally, serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Beginner-friendly steps make it easy to follow.
- Flavorful and juicy chicken that impresses everyone!
- Minimal cleanup with just one baking dish required.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t rush the marinating process—if you have time, let the chicken sit in the spice mixture for at least an hour or even overnight in the fridge. This really amps up the flavor! Also, remember to check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer; you want 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you notice the chicken is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. And finally, let it rest before slicing—this keeps all those tasty juices inside. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Serving Suggestions
To round out your meal, serve this juicy chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad. It also pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting touch. And don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, go ahead and freeze it! Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll last for about 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overdo it, or it might dry out!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional information for each serving of this easy chicken recipe! Each chicken breast contains approximately 220 calories, 10g of fat, 30g of protein, and 0g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your healthy meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are delicious and juicy, just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The best way is to use a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Yes, marinating overnight can enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge!
What if I don’t have paprika? No worries! You can substitute it with cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or just skip it altogether if you prefer.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Definitely! It stores well and can be easily reheated for a quick meal throughout the week.
Print
Meat Recipes: 7 Simple Steps to Juicy Chicken Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and easy meat recipe perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the mixture evenly.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Marinate chicken for a few hours for more flavor.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: meat recipes, easy chicken recipe, beginner cooking
